Final answer:
To find the savings plan balance after 18 months with an APR of 5% and monthly payments of $300, use the formula for compound interest.
Step-by-step explanation:
To find the savings plan balance after 18 months, we can use the formula for compound interest:
Balance = Principal x (1 + (APR/m))^(m*n)
Where:
Principal = monthly payment
APR = annual percentage rate
m = number of compounding periods per year
n = number of years
In this case, the principal is $300, the APR is 5% (0.05), and there are 12 compounding periods per year.
So the balance after 18 months is:
Balance = $300 x (1 + (0.05/12))^(12*1.5)
Balance = $4,207.41
Therefore, the correct answer is option a) $4,200.